My Latest in Wines & Vines: Washington Barrel Auction Raises $251,500

Washington Barrel Auction Raises $251,500 Largest total yet for trade-only barrel auction featuring unique wines from the state’s top wineries by L.M. Archer Woodinville, Wash.—The fourth annual Auction of Washington Wines private barrel auction raised more than $245,000 to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program, nearly exceeding the […]

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The Hedonistic Taster: Mark Ryan Winery – Syrah Duo

 

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer A few years ago I interviewed Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery for Foodable Network. The story showcased his unconventional success story, one that looks more like a cautionary tale than an entrepreneurial blueprint. But it works. In part because of his business savvy. In part because he knows […]

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My Latest in Wines & Vines: Foothills Growers Happy with ‘Normal’ Vintage

 

Foothill Growers Happy With ‘Normal’ Vintage While labor remains a challenge, relief at a lack vintage “drama” and hopes for normal yields by L. M. Archer Placerville, Calif—Several growers in the Sierra Nevada foothills, a sprawling wine region ranging in microclimates, soil types and elevations, say they are cautiously optimistic about the 2018 vintage. Amador […]

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The Hedonistic Taster: The Champagne Edition №1

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer The Champagne Edition № 1 “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” – Mark Twain TASTING NOTES: Wine:  Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne Vintage:  N/V Alcohol:  12% Link to Producer Specs here. Suggested Retail: $60   Robe:  Pale lemon hue. Pinpoint perling, profuse mousse. […]

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The Hedonistic Taster: Summer White Wines Edition

 

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer As we approach the dog days of summer, I’ve opted to share a slew of cool white wine samples worth sipping well past Labor Day.  Enjoy! TASTING NOTES: Wine:  Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko White Wine Vintage: 2016 Alcohol:  13% Link to Producer Specs here. Suggested Retail: $25 Robe:  Clear golden […]

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The Hedonistic Taster: William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux Limited Edition Did you know that National Oyster Day is August 5, 2018? In celebration, what better wine to pair with the briny bivalve than a crisp, clean, mineral-driven Chablis? It’s a match mach in heaven for a very simple reason –  they’re related.  […]

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My Latest in Oregon Wine Press: “Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability”

 

Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability Winegrowers go green for future generations By L.M. Archer Oregon leads the country in more than premium wine growth; according to the Oregon Wine Board, 48 percent of Oregon vineyards are currently certified sustainable. Here’s how a few are sowing the seeds for future generations. Sustaining a Legacy Brooks Wine […]

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The Hedonistic Taster: Willamette Valley Wines

 

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer The Willamette Valley Edition Some timely tasting notes on a few Willamette Valley wines. TASTING NOTES: Wine:  Megan Anne Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Vintage:   2016 Alcohol:  14.3% Link to Producer Specs here. Suggested Retail: $40  Robe:   Dark garnet robe. Nose: Heady aromas of spice, peat, juniper. Bouche: Dark red […]

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The Hedonistic Taster: Roederer Estate – L’Hermitage 2011 Brut

 

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer Roederer Estate | Anderson Valley, CA. “Tête de Cuvée: A wine produced from the first pressing of the grapes, generally considered superior in quality.” –  Oxford Dictionary Brilliance knows no bounds. In 1876, Louis Roederer produced Champagne’s first Cuvée de Prestige, an exclusive bottling for the Tsar of Russia christened Cristal.  […]

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